Salem

:

Season 1
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 116 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 116
  3. Negative: 16 out of 116
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  1. Nimin
    Nov 6, 2014
    10
    The show is terrific. Very dark and holds nothing back. Like everything about it. It's different to see Salem through a witches perspective. Not everything is so black and white.
  2. Smee
    May 16, 2014
    8
    Excellent unpredictable script with good actors.Fresh idea and totally rewarding the the time you invest.
    It's getting better with each episodes and can't stop hooking with it.This is way better than Rob zombie's Lord of Salem movie.
  3. GreenGoblin215
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    I have just caught up to episode 11 of this show and I absolutely love
    it. The setting is fantastic as well as the actors. I for one am a huge
    fan of Stephen Lang as "Increase Mather" and I also love Shane West who plays "John Alden". I feel the pacing is very well done if you can get to episode seven when Stephen Lang arrives I feel you will be hooked if not before then. I love the    I have just caught up to episode 11 of this show and I absolutely love
    it. The setting is fantastic as well as the actors. I for one am a huge
    fan of Stephen Lang as "Increase Mather" and I also love Shane West who
    plays "John Alden". I feel the pacing is very well done if you can get
    to episode seven when Stephen Lang arrives I feel you will be hooked if
    not before then. I love the horror scenes they are done just right in
    my opinion and I would recommend this show to anyone who loves this
    time period or a moody/creepy show with Amazing actors. Only two more
    episodes left in season one and I can't wait.I will revise it when I watch the last two episodes.    … Expand
  4. ShannansWorld
    Apr 10, 2015
    10
    I thought season one was amazing, but now with season two upon us, I am hooked. This season seems more like American Horror Story. Marilyn Manson's song playing in the beginning doesn't hurt. I love the mix of true history with fiction. Remember people, you are not watching this on the History channel.
  5. SlyckNickChick
    Apr 21, 2014
    9
    Very impressed with the season premiere of Salem. The producers did their homework before filming began, they did this by talking with History Professors, Historians and Writers/Authors that were dedicated to the late 1600's of the Salem witch trials. This show had a really strong start, they waste no time in getting right into witch craft, possession, betrayal and punishment, far fromVery impressed with the season premiere of Salem. The producers did their homework before filming began, they did this by talking with History Professors, Historians and Writers/Authors that were dedicated to the late 1600's of the Salem witch trials. This show had a really strong start, they waste no time in getting right into witch craft, possession, betrayal and punishment, far from boring. Good acting, strong characters and alright setting and graphics. Guaranteed worth the watch if you're into the Salem Witch era or a good investigated history into what civilians had to endure back then. I'm looking forward to what season one will bring, the previews look AWESOME!!!… Expand
  6. CravenWraith
    Apr 21, 2014
    7
    Let's start with "worst first". The acting, I believe is a mishmash of impressive and terrible, a few of the actors are very convincing and others, unfortunately, are so bad that the contrast between them appears to be black and white with no grey area. Ashley Madekwe (Tituba) is not the least bit convincing. In fact, I cringe whenever she is on screen. It appears that she puts 50% intoLet's start with "worst first". The acting, I believe is a mishmash of impressive and terrible, a few of the actors are very convincing and others, unfortunately, are so bad that the contrast between them appears to be black and white with no grey area. Ashley Madekwe (Tituba) is not the least bit convincing. In fact, I cringe whenever she is on screen. It appears that she puts 50% into her acting, as her motions seem lazy, her delivery of the lines also seem uninspired and dull. On the other hand I found Xander Berkeley (Magistrate Hale) to be highly convincing in his role. His bold, booming voice, facial expressions and body language in general make him appear very much believable. The main character does not come across as being likable, but rather moody and at times unnecessarily hostile. While having an unlikable main character can be refreshing at times, this is almost never the case when it is an unintentional occurrence.

    The set is amazing and is definitely reminiscent of the time. In fact, I believe the director said that they had to build everything themselves from scratch, this definitely paid off. The lighting is dim and dull (intentionally) which gives the show a very grim, earthy, and gritty feel fitting of both the time and the theme.

    The plot does not seem fantastic thus far, but it is just interesting enough for me to want to see the rest of the series. I would normally give a show like this a 4 (or perhaps 5) out of 10 as a result of the toss-up of acting quality, but the set, lighting, atmosphere and camera work and somewhat interesting plot appear to be the saving grace of this show.    … Expand
  7. ElPasoCrone
    Nov 22, 2014
    0
    I am appalled in the extreme!

    The promotional blurb says "This drama series set in 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, explores what really fueled the town's infamous witch trials, uncovering some dark truths". Not only is this misleading, it is an outright LIE! I was hoping for a historical-based drama. What I got was some dark fairy tale based on belief systems 400 years out of    I am appalled in the extreme!

    The promotional blurb says "This drama series set in 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, explores what really fueled the town's infamous witch trials, uncovering some dark truths". Not only is this misleading, it is an outright LIE! I was hoping for a historical-based drama. What I got was some dark fairy tale based on belief systems 400 years out of date.

    Did the writers and producers get their 'truths' from the Malleus Maleficarum or did they just collectively decide to throw history, truth and reason to the winds? Even Salem itself admits that what 'fueled the ... witch trials' was politics and greed. There is actual factual and physical evidence now available that proves beyond any doubt that the girls that started it all were, in fact, 'playing a joke' on the town because they were bored. Further documents confirm that Magistrate John Hathorne and Reverend Cotton Mather conspired with these girls to grab land and wealth since convicted witches forfeited all their property to 'the crown' who auctions it off to locals at bargain rates.

    Worse than the outright misrepresentation of the story-line, this show not only perpetuates, but actually embellishes upon the negative image of witches and witchcraft as devil-worshipers that was held in the 18th century. If you tried today to depict Native Americans as blood-thirsty savages, Black Americans as ignorant vicious voodoun practitioners, or Muslims as intrinsically violent woman-haters, the critics and sensors would be all over this show, shutting it down. But the writers and producers think nothing about a show that degrades and humiliates REAL witches - yes, they do exist - who are peace-loving, earth-protecting, animal-loving individuals who live by the law of "Harm None".

    Wicca, along with all other Pagan denominations is a Federally-recognized religion discussed in the Military Chaplains Handbook as a religion which "Worships the sacred as immanent in Nature, often personified as Mother Earth and Father Sky. It is very important to be aware that Wiccans do not in any way worship or believe in "Satan," "the Devil," or any similar entities. They point out that "Satan" is a symbol of rebellion against and inversion of the Christian and Jewish traditions. Wiccans do not revile the Bible. They simply regard it as one among many of the world's mythic systems, less applicable than some to their core values, but still deserving just as much respect as any of the others."

    It's about time people stopped degrading and misrepresenting both Salem and Witches for the sheer purpose of sensationalizing a money machine. I has taken 400 years for the hatred and violence caused by the witch hunts to begin to wane. Now this show purports to show us the 'truth' about Witchcraft as a Satantic, violent, blood-thirsty, power-hungry cult!

    I, for one, will NOT be watching this show and I am very sorry to see such talented actors, whom I have long respected, allowing themselves to become a part of this bigoted hate-fest that is targeting a very valuable section of the population and labeling them, yet again, as Evil.    … Expand
  8. shows
    Jun 16, 2014
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The trailer for Salem showed a lot of potential to be a supernatural, historic, sci-fi, mystery, horror and intrigue show. But this show disappointed me more than I would like to admit. After learning who the witches are in the first episode, and seeing them do witchcraft, I am sure nobody in the town of Salem is smart enough to catch them. I mean seriously (spoiler: Mary marries the most rich and powerful man in the Town, and right after she gets married to him, he becomes unable to speak; all his power with the Town residents are transferred to her.) It doesn't take a rocket scientist to suspect that something is up.

    In addition, John Alden's dad made a "Ned Stark" move by being executed before he could put dirt on Mary's hands. This could have been a bigger move if saved for later. Since the show just started, the audience doesn't care if someone dies, especially someone with only about 5 minutes of screen time.

    The villains in the show have no motive except to kill everybody, in which case they can end the show in about 5 episodes because of their demonstrated powers. There is no politics of power in this game. I don't get why Mary doesn't just gag everyone with a toad and kill them one by one. They would be too stupid to think it's her anyways. Even if I had no reason to suspect that Mary, I would make people believe she's the witch because she's a major **** to everyone in the show. She is constantly moody and I don't think anyone would mind if she died.

    Sometimes, a historical fiction needs to stray away from its historical roots and focus more on the fiction and vice versa. This show doesn't do it for me. The villains are too overpowered and the townspeople all hunt witches like Ned Stark plays the Game of Thrones (poorly). If this is your first horror/intrigue/mystery show, you might be able to stand it, but if you've watched anything good in the past, you know there's a lot better things to watch in the same genre.    … Expand
  9. TheZeroPercent
    Apr 20, 2014
    8
    I thought the first episode was 'really good'. 8/10 for me. The writing is not what makes this series work(and that's a good thing, because a lot of the writing is subpar and worse). Setting, subject matter and genre bring this TV show to a unique, interesting level ~ for me personally. If you like the legends of Salem, witches, horror, suspense, and American satanic history(mixed withI thought the first episode was 'really good'. 8/10 for me. The writing is not what makes this series work(and that's a good thing, because a lot of the writing is subpar and worse). Setting, subject matter and genre bring this TV show to a unique, interesting level ~ for me personally. If you like the legends of Salem, witches, horror, suspense, and American satanic history(mixed with some supernatural fiction), you'll most likely LOVE this series.… Expand
  10. benjaminavatar
    Apr 26, 2014
    10
    Fantastic series and great concept. Love it. loved the first episode, surely the rest of the season is gonna be awesome.
    with elementary, sapce dandy, big bang theory and da vincis demons soon ending their seasons this is gonna be an awesome expierence during the summer
  11. LamontRaymond
    Apr 21, 2014
    8
    I'll give the show an 8, solely because Janet Montgomery is incredible. Loved her in Human Target and pretty much everything else she's ever been in. The rest of the show had a fine layer of cheese to it (with the exception of the witchcraft, which is startlingly mature in terms of content), but I'm going to tune in for another episode - again, because of Janet Montgomery.
  12. Ereandrill
    Apr 28, 2014
    5
    The Salem Witch Trials have always been both one of the blackest and of the most fascinating pages in American history. It would not have taken long before popculture would have picked up on these gruesome but mysterious events. Too bad the Salem series WGN aired for the first time last Sunday is quite atrocious for my liking.

    The sneak peek they sent out into the world brought us a    The Salem Witch Trials have always been both one of the blackest and of the most fascinating pages in American history. It would not have taken long before popculture would have picked up on these gruesome but mysterious events. Too bad the Salem series WGN aired for the first time last Sunday is quite atrocious for my liking.

    The sneak peek they sent out into the world brought us a clear message : these would not be the nice and gullible witches from the Secret Cirkle, nor the funny kind we know from shows like Charmed. No, these witches were downward scary. Salem was bound to be a horror flick : WGN's answer to the success of American Horror Story. But they did not deliver at all.

    So where did it go wrong?

    For a start : the series did not succeed to put forward even one likable character. You could argue that John Alden is not that bad, but you wouldn't invite him to your dinner party either. He left his girlfriend in a hypocritical puritan hellhole where you get whipped and branded for having sex, to go and kill some Indians and still claimed he loved her. When the girl – Mary, discovers she has a bun in the oven, she desperately turns herself to the devil.

    Years later, when the brave war hero Alden steps back into town he finds the city is held by some sort of witch craze. Everybody is scared while the religious forces in the area seem to be happy to hang people from the highest tree out of fear they might have maybe possibly by chance been a witch. But as the episode enrolls, we find out that fear might have been well-grounded.

    And yes it all seems scary and yes there are some slight plot twists, but I still ask myself why I would take the time to sit down and spend one hour in front of TV when there is nobody to really root for.
    Besides, the especially bad acting of Seth Gabel ( John Alden) makes me puke a bit in my mouth every time he appears on screen.
    The storyline isn't that exciting either : we get to see some CGI scary stuff that made us shiver for a second or two and there were some scenes I enjoyed quite a lot, but there is nothing there that would lift the series out of the pit of damnation, better known as ' the average bin' .

    You could argue this is only a pilot, and that we should wait until the series has evolved a bit more. And I would agree. Still : it does not have the grandeur of American Horror Story, by far. When I peek at the IMDB page of the series I must note that there will be some more – and maybe even vital, changes throughout not only the cast, but also the series itself. I'll camp out for another episode or two because there is a lot of potential. Now just hope the creators find the guts to bring that potential forward.

    www.geekin.me    … Expand
  13. DQ_Slotkins
    May 4, 2014
    2
    Howlingly bad, but — and here's the kicker — not in a funny way. It's painfully unentertaining.

    Historically it's remarkably wrong. Now, I usually don't care if a piece of historical fiction get things wrong, but this barely gets anything right.
  14. seriesscout
    May 8, 2014
    4
    Salem is not really bad, but so far not really good. After the first few episodes you already noticed that this TV show is not a reach maxmimale density. It is wasted potential because a lot goes too fast. One could build a nice atmosphere of good approaches, instead it relies more on more settings. Because the series will fail if you do not get into the handle. The theme of witchcraftSalem is not really bad, but so far not really good. After the first few episodes you already noticed that this TV show is not a reach maxmimale density. It is wasted potential because a lot goes too fast. One could build a nice atmosphere of good approaches, instead it relies more on more settings. Because the series will fail if you do not get into the handle. The theme of witchcraft gambled again.

    Except Blair Witch Project (1) it has never been done again to adequately implement the theme. So much potential, so little devotion. A shame.    … Expand
  15. vyo476
    Jun 9, 2014
    3
    Manages to be compelling despite despite several obvious flaws. Acting is only mediocre; history is spotty at best (hypodermic needles in 17th century Massachusetts? No); and the diction used tends to switch between awkward attempts at Elizabethan English and modern usages.

    Probably the biggest issue with "Salem," though, is the metaphor. In reality, the Salem Witch Trials were a    Manages to be compelling despite despite several obvious flaws. Acting is only mediocre; history is spotty at best (hypodermic needles in 17th century Massachusetts? No); and the diction used tends to switch between awkward attempts at Elizabethan English and modern usages.

    Probably the biggest issue with "Salem," though, is the metaphor.

    In reality, the Salem Witch Trials were a means utilized by men to rob women of property; they were also a superstitious overreaction to fear of the unknown (and the strange and different). The so-called "witch hunters" were brutal, awful people who murdered others - primarily women - for enjoyment and personal gain.

    In the show "Salem," we see that evil witches "really did" live in 17th Century Salem; and while the show does show us the witch-hunting priest Cotton Mather "trying" and killing innocents - part of the evil witches' plan - he is overall cast as a sympathetic character, a young man in over his head who is ultimately correct about the evil in the town he wishes to save.

    "Salem" seems to be trying hard for a level of moral ambiguity it just can't seem to achieve, and therein lies its problem; despite the audience having sympathies on both sides, as Mather and Alden become more rational and get closer to the truth, the witches themselves continue to plot to murder innocent people in pursuit of their "Grand Rite," which makes the witch-hunters out as the good guys and the witches as the bad guys (again, even though several of the witches are definitely cast as sympathetic characters).

    The metaphorical issues with retelling the story of Salem with the justification that evil witches really did exist, and then also portraying the witch-hunters of the time in a positive light, are numerous and unfortunate. For comparative purposes, consider the implications of a television show in which Jews really were plotting world domination in the 1930s and a misguided but sympathetic concentration camp commandant attempted to stamp out the plot. Not an exact replica of the crimes against history "Salem" is committing, but still pretty close.

    If you can get by the relatively awful metaphorical implications of the show, and also manage to overlook issues in the acting and writing, you may have an enjoyable experience. I've only seen Janet Montgomery once before this but she remains compelling. Shane West's constantly simmering anger and taciturn personality aren't what awards are made of, but he is enjoyably watchable. Seth Gabel, whose portrayal of Cotton Mather is lampooned above, is probably the most watchable actor on the show; he brings more depth and conflict to Mather's personality than perhaps it deserves. Then again, Tamzin Merchant and Xander Berkeley are nearly unwatchable, especially together; Merchant's character has almost no depth whatsoever, whereas Berkeley's character is reduced to insignificant scheming, walking around looking for stuff ineffectually, bowing down to Janet Montgomery's character when he clearly doesn't want to, and bossing around his family. His tone during all of these actions is one of fear and resignation and none of it seems to be building toward anything.

    "Salem" isn't a good show. It's watchable and dramatic, and you might find yourself drawn into the love stories of Mary and John; you might be surprised by the offbeat romance between Mather and Gloriana, a prostitute (although, warning, he sexually assaults her and never so much as apologizes and once she's done slapping him for it she just seems to love him more - we certainly needed more of that in modern storytelling, right?). Unfortunately, the show's numerous and egregious problems - from concept to execution - prevent it from becoming anything of of real interest.    … Expand
  16. OcculticOne23
    Jun 18, 2014
    10
    Salem delivers quality entertainment and a fair amount of historical accuracy in one swing. This show is fast-paced, dramatic, creepy, very entertaining, and leaves me on the edge of my seat after every episode. I highly recommend this show, and I definitely see myself tuning in every week for the rest of this shows existence (which will hopefully be a very long time). With such aSalem delivers quality entertainment and a fair amount of historical accuracy in one swing. This show is fast-paced, dramatic, creepy, very entertaining, and leaves me on the edge of my seat after every episode. I highly recommend this show, and I definitely see myself tuning in every week for the rest of this shows existence (which will hopefully be a very long time). With such a fast-pace, I have no clue how they'll stretch this show out for multiple seasons, but I certainly look forward to finding out.… Expand
  17. Chameleonshade
    Jul 5, 2014
    1
    Making a scene confronting or purposely disturbing to try and garner some sort of reaction doesn't make a great show. The acting is lacking and in general the story should be interesting, given the subject matter, but isn't. I am all for disturbing or dark, but when it doesn't add to the atmosphere or narrative, the point of the scene/show becomes moot.
  18. LouWanda
    Jul 8, 2014
    4
    I tend to like things about witches and so forth. I like this show and I see that many others do, too. But please viewers: If you want the actual history of the Salem witch trials, read about it or visit Salem. This show is not that history! The witch trials were a true horror because they persecuted and executed their neighbors and fellow citizens who were innocent. These wereI tend to like things about witches and so forth. I like this show and I see that many others do, too. But please viewers: If you want the actual history of the Salem witch trials, read about it or visit Salem. This show is not that history! The witch trials were a true horror because they persecuted and executed their neighbors and fellow citizens who were innocent. These were ignorant, superstitious people. There were animosities, grudges and politics at the root of it. The real events were an actual nightmare, as opposed to this spooky work of fiction we watch.… Expand
  19. TiagoFerreira97
    Jul 12, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show is so well written that i must give 10!
    Its incredible how they turn de story without change it.
    I hope the 3rd season make me get stuck in the screen like the others did ;)    … Expand
  20. marco34la
    May 27, 2015
    10
    This show is probably one of the most under-rated and under-watched series on TV. I had never heard of it before, but just watched it on Netflix. This show is as good as any other in its genre - it surpasses True Blood
    and American Horror Story. It's a drama that is suspenseful, fun and true to sci-fi/witch genre. I'm mid0way through season 2, and it's as good as season one, if not better.
  21. mexognosis
    Nov 18, 2014
    5
    Two of my ancestors were burned at the stake in Salem, so after literally stumbling upon this show randomly on Netflix, I decided to give it a go. Of course, the show is supernatural horror - you should know going in that you aren't going to get historical accuracy. But I actually think the balance of historical accuracy and complete outlandishness works well. We immediately like JohnTwo of my ancestors were burned at the stake in Salem, so after literally stumbling upon this show randomly on Netflix, I decided to give it a go. Of course, the show is supernatural horror - you should know going in that you aren't going to get historical accuracy. But I actually think the balance of historical accuracy and complete outlandishness works well. We immediately like John Alden because even though some of this show's witches are actually witches, he is skeptical not just that all of the condemned citizens are in fact witches- rather he doubts that witches exist period. The way, incidentally, that they frame witches as agents of the false witch hunt, works well--even if that plot point is never really matched by the subplot. Some of the historical inaccuracies can be annoying of course. The Indians don't look like they would have at that time--at least in New England, the Puritans would not be wearing some of the extravagant clothes worn here by the elites, and Salem would not be consist of German American architecture or have a social scene resembling the Manchester, England of Charles Dickens. But these are small points. A larger trouble is that the show portrays a small portion of victims of the witch hunt as actual witches. Their characters are fictional but the people on whom they are based were very real. This seems insensitive, and I almost wish they changed the names. These may be your ancestors after all. The plot lines also grow a bit tired toward the end, although the addition of a few new characters (especially Increase Mather) helps this a bit. Problems aside, I think I'll give next season a go.… Expand
  22. AvantGuardian
    Apr 24, 2014
    8
    Salem is WGN America's first Drama, and I believe it will mark the possible beginning of a new successful cable network. The fact that Salem is on WGN, and not on a pay-network like HBO or Showtime, Is a very good thing. Almost always, dramas set in the past featured on pay-networks cater to the fact that they are allowed to show whatever they want without any restrictions. The writers getSalem is WGN America's first Drama, and I believe it will mark the possible beginning of a new successful cable network. The fact that Salem is on WGN, and not on a pay-network like HBO or Showtime, Is a very good thing. Almost always, dramas set in the past featured on pay-networks cater to the fact that they are allowed to show whatever they want without any restrictions. The writers get so carried away in sexual violence and historical accuracy that they forget the main purpose of their series -- to entertain. What if a younger audience, or someone like me, who doesn't like watching women be treated as sexual objects and tortured wants to watch a fantasy drama or period piece? Well, we can't, not on the pay networks. But now, with Salem, we can. I am proud to report that the pilot had no sexual violence! Woo-hoo!

    Salem is a fresh take on the supernatural, venturing into the dark past of Salem, the center of the witch trials of 1692. The show centers on a War veteran (Shane West) who returns to Salem after being held prisoner by Native American's for 5 years only to discover his town has become a warzone as well. However, this battle is very different than the one he fought. Witches hide in plain sight. You don't know who you can trust. Salem does a good job creating an accurate feeling environment, and focusing on all the right things. It feels a bit like Sleepy Hollow, only, if Ichabod had not woken up in 2013.
    I recommend.    … Expand
  23. yukichigai
    Jul 16, 2014
    8
    A decently creepy, spooky show with a fair bit of Machiavellian maneuvering going on as well, along with a few cliche elements like love triangles and mysterious pasts. The cast is decent, the acting surprisingly good, and the plot engaging.

    The historical accuracy is, of course, utterly awful, enough that I'm wondering if this is supposed to be some kind of alternate history type    A decently creepy, spooky show with a fair bit of Machiavellian maneuvering going on as well, along with a few cliche elements like love triangles and mysterious pasts. The cast is decent, the acting surprisingly good, and the plot engaging.

    The historical accuracy is, of course, utterly awful, enough that I'm wondering if this is supposed to be some kind of alternate history type deal. The ambiance is good though, and for what the show is I'm not going to criticize it for not being completely accurate in the events of the era. As far as the plot itself goes, it starts off slow but builds quickly. By the end of the season there's quite a bit happening quite quickly, and a fair bit of "OMG" moments to boot.    … Expand
  24. HighPriestesa
    May 23, 2014
    7
    It could be better, it could be worse. This is one of those shows I watch just because of one character, and right now it's Alden, of course. It's going a bit too fast...It lacks mystery to it. But gruesome scenes are great.
  25. retromom
    May 20, 2014
    8
    A BIT SLOW OUT OF THE GATE - BUT BY EPISODES 4 AND 5, "SALEM" IS A KEEPER. Lush scenery; lovely period costumes; good-looking actors and actresses; an improbable new twist on the 17th century Salem witch trials; extremely graphic creepiness. That said, the first few episodes left me struggling to understand the characters' motives. Why so evil? However, the show improves exponentiallyA BIT SLOW OUT OF THE GATE - BUT BY EPISODES 4 AND 5, "SALEM" IS A KEEPER. Lush scenery; lovely period costumes; good-looking actors and actresses; an improbable new twist on the 17th century Salem witch trials; extremely graphic creepiness. That said, the first few episodes left me struggling to understand the characters' motives. Why so evil? However, the show improves exponentially after the first 3 episodes. Character development expands. Logic behind individual motives begins to emerge. The younger cast of women becomes very interesting. Some characters are revealed as more confused and misguided than evil. Yes, the John Alden character is a bit modern - but his fearless bravado under these bizarre circumstances makes for good television. In terms of authentic creepiness, "Salem" seems willing to take the type of interesting risks that made "American Horror Story" popular. Not a show for sticklers about the well-documented history of Salem and its "witches." Good entertainment value, though.… Expand
  26. Zahmet
    May 29, 2014
    10
    Awesome. The way the creators have made it close to how things went down historically makes it even more awesome. I hope there will be more seasons to come!
  27. parizona
    Jul 19, 2014
    9
    i love it! i love that it moves fast and i love that there characters are so complexe there arnt actually completely positive or negative ones.and that passion of love storyies and i like all actors are doing a great job. The finish episode let me completely curious about what will happen next. Its like I always waited for this series to be created!
  28. Sketch987
    Sep 18, 2014
    5
    Salem is a highly original TV show and the acting is good. Unfortunately the script is very weak and the characters simply aren't sympathetic. I think if better writers had been put on the project this could have been really great entertainment, but over and over again gratuitous gore is substituted for plot, and the final product reaches very little of its potential.
  29. Rainwhole
    Oct 9, 2014
    7
    Salem is a show filled with untapped potential....

    Having some truly great characters played by good actors/actresses, this show has all the elements necessary for making something truly great. However, it's not there at the moment. In fact, as it currently stands the show is pretty decent. Some episodes are truly great, but they are not often enough. Yet, I was compelled with completed    Salem is a show filled with untapped potential....

    Having some truly great characters played by good actors/actresses, this show has all the elements necessary for making something truly great. However, it's not there at the moment. In fact, as it currently stands the show is pretty decent. Some episodes are truly great, but they are not often enough. Yet, I was compelled with completed the season out of pure interest.    … Expand
  30. Johnson9289
    Jan 19, 2015
    10
    This is an excellent show all around. Top notch acting from most of the cast especially shane west, janet montgomery seth gabel and iddo goldberg. The time period, mood and cinematography are compelling and refreshing. The writers have created some very believable conflicted characters that you really feel for. Cotton Mather and Anne Hale both have a ton of depth and Mary Sibley'sThis is an excellent show all around. Top notch acting from most of the cast especially shane west, janet montgomery seth gabel and iddo goldberg. The time period, mood and cinematography are compelling and refreshing. The writers have created some very believable conflicted characters that you really feel for. Cotton Mather and Anne Hale both have a ton of depth and Mary Sibley's conflicts are heart wrenching. Finally a strong female character that isn't a stock male character with a gender change. I love John Aldon, another strong realistic and empathetic character. I would think if you like Game of Thrones you would like this show, they arent the same genre but as far as strong dramatic writing and great characters this show has them in spades.… Expand
  31. Heathermajka
    Jul 5, 2015
    10
    SALEM is a reverencing, edge of your seat, formidable, heart-stopping show that leaves you wanting MORE! The storyline is incredible, the writer shocks you and the actors leave you wanting MORE! It is my FAVORITE SHOW by FAR and I am waiting patiently for SEASON 3. IF you haven't watched this show, YOU ARE MISSING OUT!
  32. Panstain
    Jan 2, 2016
    9
    A love story that draws me in on season 1, watched every episode. Highly recommended even if you don't watch the 2nd season. Season 1 is the reason I rate the show a 9. Was enough to keep my interest to watch the 2nd season and want to see a 3rd.

    Season 2 gets more into unnecessary gore, poor characters that turn me away. I lost some interest in this season, so badly I skipped through    A love story that draws me in on season 1, watched every episode. Highly recommended even if you don't watch the 2nd season. Season 1 is the reason I rate the show a 9. Was enough to keep my interest to watch the 2nd season and want to see a 3rd.

    Season 2 gets more into unnecessary gore, poor characters that turn me away. I lost some interest in this season, so badly I skipped through not watching every episode fully. However I held on desiring more on the love story that first drew me in.

    I will only watch a 3rd season if the character Mary is in it, no other existing or new story will hold my interest for an entire season. Still this is the best show I've watched on WGN network. I had almost forgot about WGN.    … Expand
  33. creoledoll
    Jul 8, 2017
    10
    i have never been so taken with a series! i had to re watch once it was all over because in the beginning i was a little turned off by the gore that i came back to see it i could look past it months later. The only regret i have is that they aren't going to making another season. Mary Sibley is a powerful woman :)

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
42
#42 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
49

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 5 out of 16
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Apr 18, 2014
    70
    Not all of the acting works all of the time, but the cast holds it together when necessary, guided with assurance by Montgomery, who alone deserves another episode or two just to appreciate.
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  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Patrick Gomez
    Apr 18, 2014
    38
    The supernatural drama lacks in dramatic tension and suffers without the self-aware humor that made the similarly themed American Horror Story: Coven work so well. [28 Apr 2014]
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Apr 18, 2014
    30
    Welcome to Early American Horror Story, which could give you whiplash from all the clashing acting styles, from Seth Gabel's foaming-at-the-mouth over-emoting as zealot Cotton Mather to Shane West's monotonously mumbling and too-modern hero John Alden.
    Read full review
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